Antenna Module Second Radiating Electrode Bandwidth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna modules face a trade-off between reducing size and expanding frequency band width, as increasing the frequency band width requires weakening electromagnetic field coupling, which is challenging without increasing the thickness of the dielectric substrate, leading to higher manufacturing costs due to additional layers.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a second radiating electrode with a larger thickness between the first radiating electrode and the ground electrode, or a floating electrode that does not resonate in the frequency band, to increase the distance between the ground and radiating electrodes without adding layers, thereby expanding the frequency band width.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the thickness of the dielectric substrate is increased to expand the frequency band width, then the frequency band width increases, but the device size and thickness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band widthVSAvoidthickness of antenna module

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second radiating electrode disposed in the thickness direction between the first radiating electrode and the ground electrode, utilizing the third dimension (thickness direction) to expand the frequency band width without increasing the planar area. This dimensional approach allows frequency band expansion while maintaining a thin profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The second radiating electrode is nested within the thickness direction of the existing antenna structure, positioned between the first radiating electrode and the ground electrode. This nesting approach allows the addition of functional elements without increasing the overall footprint or significantly increasing the thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of stationary object

If the number of layers in the dielectric substrate is increased to increase the thickness, then the thickness increases, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethickness of dielectric substrateVSAvoidnumber of layers

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiating electrode is segmented into two separate electrodes (first and second radiating electrodes) disposed at different positions in the thickness direction. This segmentation allows the antenna module to achieve enhanced frequency band width without requiring additional dielectric substrate layers, as the electrodes are integrated within the existing layer structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the distance between the ground electrode and the radiating electrode is increased to expand the frequency band width, then the frequency band width increases, but the peak gain decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band widthVSAvoidpeak gain

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the thickness direction as an additional dimension to increase the distance between the ground electrode and at least one radiating electrode, thereby expanding the frequency band width. By positioning the second radiating electrode between the first radiating electrode and the ground electrode in the thickness direction, the design achieves frequency band expansion while maintaining reasonable coupling distances to preserve peak gain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration allows for a significant increase in frequency band width without increasing the number of layers in the dielectric substrate, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and maintaining a thinner antenna module design.

Implementation Method 1

a peak gain and a frequency band width of a radio wave radiated from the antenna module are determined by a strength of an electromagnetic field coupling between a ground electrode and the radiating electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11539122B2Antenna module and communication unit provided with the same

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

An antenna module (100) includes a dielectric substrate (130) having a multilayer structure, a first radiating electrode (121) and a ground electrode (GND) that are disposed in the dielectric substrate (130), and a second radiating electrode (150) disposed in a layer between the first radiating electrode (121) and the ground electrode (GND). The first radiating electrode (121) is a power feed element to which radio frequency power is supplied. When the antenna module (100) is viewed in plan from a normal direction of the dielectric substrate (130), the first radiating electrode (121) and the second radiating electrode (150) at least partially overlap with each other. A thickness of the second radiating electrode (150) is larger than that of the first radiating electrode (121).